2023 AFCON

FIFA bans 2023 AFCON golden boot winner Emilio Nsue for ineligibility

FIFA bans 2023 AFCON golden boot winner Emilio Nsue for ineligibility

In a shocking turn of events, FIFA has ruled that Emilio Nsue, the captain of Equatorial Guinea and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot winner, was never eligible to represent Equatorial Guinea throughout his 11-year international career. This revelation came after FIFA opened a new investigation into Nsue’s eligibility in March. The decision has sent ripples through the football community, raising questions about the vetting processes for international players and the implications of such oversights. The investigation’s findings have led to severe consequences for the Equatoguinean national team. FIFA has nullified Equatorial Guinea’s 2026 World Cup qualification victories against…
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2023 AFCON: This Is How Much Ivory Coast Players Has Been Rewarded For Winning Tourney

2023 AFCON: This Is How Much Ivory Coast Players Has Been Rewarded For Winning Tourney

President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Outtara, has honoured the triumphant players and technical staff of the national football team, the Elephants, for their victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Despite facing challenges during the group stage, Ivory Coast astounded the continent by winning the 34th edition of AFCON. Their journey culminated in a thrilling final showdown against Nigeria, who had their sights set on securing their fourth title. In a gripping match, the Elephants initially fell behind in the first half with a goal from William Troost-Ekong of Nigeria. However, they mounted a stunning comeback in the second…
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2023 AFCON: Ivory Coast Football Fans Flock To See Abidjan Victory Parade

2023 AFCON: Ivory Coast Football Fans Flock To See Abidjan Victory Parade

Thousands of football fans wearing orange and white have flooded the streets of Abidjan to see the Ivory Coast team parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy they won on Sunday. The hosts defeated Nigeria 2-1 to win Afcon for a third time, prompting huge celebrations across the country. Cecilia, who was born in Ivory Coast but now lives in the US, told the BBC she had travelled home for the final. “That’s the best decision of my life,” she said. Image caption: A football fan awaits the arrival of the national team in Abidjan Ivory Coast were unlikely winners.…
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2023 AFCON: Nigeria Captain Crowned Best Player Of The Tournament

2023 AFCON: Nigeria Captain Crowned Best Player Of The Tournament

Nigeria captain, William Troost-Ekong has been named as the best player of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Despite Nigeria’s loss to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final, Troost-Ekong’s exceptional leadership as a centre-back has been a beacon for the Super Eagles. He displayed his prowess by netting three crucial goals in seven games, including a decisive penalty against the host nation in the group stage, another spot-kick against South Africa, and a powerful header against Côte d’Ivoire. In the final showdown, Troost-Ekong put the Super Eagles ahead late in the first half, rising above the defense to score with…
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Haller Gives Ivory Coast Victory In Afcon Final

Haller Gives Ivory Coast Victory In Afcon Final

Sebastien Haller was the hero for Ivory Coast again as the Elephants came from behind to beat Nigeria and win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil. The striker, who had also netted the semi-final winner just 13 months on from his return from testicular cancer, flicked in Simon Adingra's cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes remaining to complete a second-half comeback and spark wild celebrations in Abidjan. William Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before the end of a cagey first half when the centre-back rose highest to powerfully head in…
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Nigeria Beat South Africa To Reach AFCON Final After Dramatic Penalty Shootout

Nigeria Beat South Africa To Reach AFCON Final After Dramatic Penalty Shootout

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place in their first Africa Cup of Nations final since 2013 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over South Africa. After a fast-paced first half, the Super Eagles took the lead from the spot when William Troost-Ekong fired home from the spot after Victor Osimhen was brought down. The Nigerians thought they had doubled the lead in the dying moments of regular time when Osimhen slammed home but a VAR check not only ruled out the goal but awarded South Africa a penalty after Alhassan Yusuf fouled Percy Tau inside the box.…
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2023 AFCON: We Will Rise And Fight Again – Andre Ayew Apologizes For Black Stars Early Exit

2023 AFCON: We Will Rise And Fight Again – Andre Ayew Apologizes For Black Stars Early Exit

Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew, has offered a sincere apology for the poor performance of the team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Ghana faced another disappointing exit from AFCON, ending the group stage at the third position in Group B with just three points. The team’s lacklustre showing prompted the sacking of Chris Hughton, with a five-member committee established to recommend a new coach to the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). In a video message shared on social media on Tuesday night, Ayew expressed regret for the team’s subpar performance and assumed full…
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2023 AFCON: Ivory Coast ‘Not Getting Excited’ After Knocking Out Senegal

2023 AFCON: Ivory Coast ‘Not Getting Excited’ After Knocking Out Senegal

Ivory Coast caretaker boss Emerse Fae says his side will not dwell on their win over Senegal and can lift the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations trophy. The Elephants were underdogs against the defending champions after two defeats in the group phase. But the hosts, who only advanced to the last 16 because of other results, stunned the Teranga Lions on penalties. “We’re definitely not going to get excited,” said Fae. “We are going to savour the win and get back to work.” The 40-year-old added: “We have come so far. We are going to continue to work on our…
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Ghana, A Footballing Nation In Turmoil After Another AFCON Failure

Ghana, A Footballing Nation In Turmoil After Another AFCON Failure

At around midday on Monday, it was difficult to know whether Ghana’s footballers waiting in the team hotel were focused or utterly miserable. This was before their key game with Mozambique, where a draw left them needing miracles from other results in the remaining group games to qualify for the round of 16. Those miracles never came. Ghana were out and their head coach Chris Hughton was sacked. Ghana had been sharing a base with Nigeria, who went through to the knockout stage on the same evening after beating Guinea-Bissau. Since their win against Ivory Coast in their second game, there has…
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Words Not Enough To Erase Disillusionment- Alexander Djiku After Ghana’s AFCON Exit

Words Not Enough To Erase Disillusionment- Alexander Djiku After Ghana’s AFCON Exit

Black Stars defender Alexander Djiku has expressed his disappointment over Ghana’s elimination from the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire. Ghana’s elimination from the competition was confirmed on Tuesday, January 23 after Cameroon beat The Gambia 3-2 to progress to the round of 16 stage as runner up in Group C. On the other hand, the Black Stars failed to beat Mozambique in its final Group B game to crash out of the tournament after picking just two points in three games. Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) page, following Ghana’s elimination from the AFCON group stage for the second edition…
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